Krishna Jagadish
As agriculture confronts mounting pressures, scientists capable of translating cutting-edge plant research into practical solutions have become increasingly vital. Among those leaders is Texas Tech’s Krishna Jagadish, whose work has earned one of the profession's highest distinctions.
'We are grateful for Krishna's contributions and leadership. He has been driving agricultural research and innovation at Texas Tech, in addition to leading the Davis College Water Center.'
Jagadish, interim chair and Thornton Distinguished Chair in Texas Tech's Department of Plant & Soil Science, has been named a 2026 Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), the organization’s highest honor recognizing excellence in research, teaching, extension and administration.
“This is one of the highest honors our societies bestow, and we are proud to recognize your outstanding contributions to the field and your long-standing commitment to the profession,” the society said in announcing the award.
The designation recognizes members who have maintained at least seven years of active membership while demonstrating exceptional professional achievement and service to crop science. According to the society, no more than 0.3% of its active and emeritus members are elected Fellows in any given year.
The award will be presented during the CSSA International Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon on Nov. 2 in Portland, Oregon.
‘Amazing Feeling’
“It’s an amazing feeling to be named the CSSA Fellow,” Jagadish said. “This outcome is a product of extensive collaborations with colleagues, several graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and strong administrative support. I am excited that I am named the Fellow while being a Red Raider"
Since joining Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources in 2022, Jagadish has built a research program focused on helping agriculture adapt to increasing environmental pressures while improving long-term sustainability.
He directs the Texas Coalition for Sustainable Integrated Systems Research Program and the Davis College Water Center, while coordinating the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation. Together, those initiatives bring scientists, producers and industry partners together to improve water conservation, strengthen crop resilience and advance agricultural productivity across Texas.
Noureddine Abidi, associate dean for research in the Davis College and interim associate vice president for research and innovation, said, “We are grateful for Krishna's contributions and leadership. He has been driving agricultural research and innovation at Texas Tech, in addition to leading the Davis College Water Center.”
Jagadish's research spans both fundamental plant science and practical agricultural applications. His work has produced approximately 190 peer-reviewed publications examining crop stress physiology, heat tolerance and climate resilience. As principal investigator, he has secured nearly $22 million in competitive research funding from federal agencies and industry partners.
Significant Contributions
Colleagues say his influence extends beyond research through his dedication to student mentorship, producer outreach and collaborative partnerships that connect scientific discovery with on-the-ground agricultural challenges.
“This is great news and long overdue,” said Glen Ritchie, professor and chair of Iowa State University's Department of Agronomy and one of the scientists who nominated Jagadish. “We're excited for you.” Ritchie previously served as chair of Texas Tech's Department of Plant & Soil Science and held the J.A. Love Endowed Chair in Sustainable Agriculture.
Darren Hudson, associate dean for strategic initiatives and assessment and holder of the Larry Combest Endowed Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness, said Jagadish's selection reflects his significant and continued contributions to crop science.
“He has and continues to have important impacts on the strategic priority of sustainable water systems and crop development for limited water environments for Davis College. Dr. Jagadish is a premier scientist that enhances the reputation of Davis College and Texas Tech,” Hudson said.
Before arriving at Texas Tech, Jagadish served as professor of agronomy at Kansas State University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, where his research examined the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing heat tolerance during anthesis in rice – work that established the scientific foundation for his continuing research on crop performance under environmental stress.
The CSSA Fellowship is the latest in a series of national and international recognitions honoring Jagadish's contributions to agricultural science. Earlier this year, he received the 2026 Texas Tech Parents Association Barnie E. Rushing Jr. Distinguished Research Award in STEM, recognizing faculty whose scholarship has achieved national distinction.
His previous honors include the Indian Society of Plant Physiology's Prof. G.V. Joshi Memorial Award (2024), Kansas State University’s Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Research Award (2021), designation as an International Fellow of the Indian Society of Plant Physiology (2021), and the Association for Agricultural Scientists of Indian Origin’s Outstanding Young Agricultural Scientist Award (2015).
CONTACT: Krishna Jagadish, Interim Chair and Professor, Department of Plant & Soil Science, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-7953 or kjagadish.sv@ttu.edu
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